Unilever (ULVR) Status Update summary

Strategic transformation and focus

• Executing the Growth Action Plan 2030, emphasizing a simpler, more focused, and performance-driven company structure, including the separation of the Ice Cream business by end-2025 and a €800m productivity programme impacting 7,500 roles globally.

• Portfolio will focus on 30 Power Brands and 24 key markets, representing over 75% of turnover and 85% of revenue, with a new operating model post-Ice Cream separation.

• Leadership team significantly refreshed, with over 60% new to roles and a quarter new to the company, aiming for a more diverse and high-performing culture.

• New purpose unveiled: "brighten everyday life for all," shifting focus back to the consumer while maintaining sustainability as a core value.

• Ice Cream separation is on track, with operational separation expected by July 2025 and full separation by year-end, aiming to unlock value and allow for a distinct strategy.

Operational and financial progress

• Achieved four consecutive quarters of positive volume growth, with all business groups contributing and gross margin returning to pre-pandemic levels ahead of schedule.

• EPS growth reached 16%, with Power Brands growing 5.6% year-to-date and representing over 75% of turnover.

• Innovation size doubled since 2021, with 12 major launches in 2024 and platforms on track to become €100 million businesses.

• Portfolio transformation and premiumisation are key for growth in developed markets, while emerging markets benefit from favorable demographics and rising affluence, with India as a major growth engine.

• Capital allocation remains disciplined, with bolt-on M&A focused on the US and India, and a balance between dividends and share buybacks.

Key strategic priorities and growth drivers

• Five areas of excellence: unmissable brand superiority, multi-year scalable innovation, premiumization, social-first demand creation, and channel execution.

• Premiumization targeted through core brand innovation, scaling prestige and well-being businesses, and portfolio rotation, especially in North America and Europe.

• Social-first marketing to increase digital spend from 30% to over 50%, leveraging AI and content engines.

• Channel focus includes digitizing traditional trade, closing gaps in digital commerce, and expanding in health and beauty specialty channels.

• Unmissable brand superiority is measured across six Ps, with continuous tracking and targeted improvements.